Best Plants to Repel Mosquitos

Discover nature’s answer for avoiding mosquitos this summer.

By: Kyle Benzinger

We can all relate to pesky mosquitos invading even our most memorable summer nights. Swatting at legs and arms, these flying fiends can make it challenging to enjoy the great outdoors. But what if your own garden plants could help protect you from our buggy friends?

After turning to torches, candles and oils to keep mosquitos at bay, now you can reimagine your garden to include plants with natural mosquito-repelling qualities.

Grow an Herb Garden

Growing an herb garden is a fun summer treat, but did you know that several of the fresh herbs you grow on your deck or patio naturally repel mosquitos?

Basil: This essential ingredient to delicious Italian recipes isn’t just a great way to garnish your favourite pasta dish. It also proactively repels mosquitos!

Mint: Some of us like fresh mint in our tea or to garnish our deserts. Lucky for us, mosquitos find this herb less than refreshing.

Lemon thyme : Just rub a few stems between your hands and the lemony scent given off by this plant is troublesome for mosquitos. Planting lemon thyme for this reason alone is surely worth the effort.

Rosemary : A quintessential herb and staple in many kitchens, this herb helps provide a safe haven from mosquitos on the attack. The scent alone will have them flying in the other direction.

Tip: Given their needs for various sunlight and water amounts, grow each herb in a separate planter if possible. Then you can scatter them around your yard or patio as you see fit. It will help keep insects at an arm’s length.

To find out more about growing your own herbs this summer, click here.

Herbs alone don’t have to be your only answer to this summer nuisance. These plants are a great way to add a little colour to your mosquito-elimination strategy.

Marigolds : While visually appealing, marigolds aren’t typically known for their fragrance. Mosquitos dislike this pungent plant as well and will steer clear. When planning your next vegetable garden, be sure to include some marigolds to prevent numerous other pests from destroying your source of fresh veggies for the summer. If you’ve already designed your garden, add in some marigolds to accent your current floral colour scheme and deter bugs.

Ageratum : This little blue flower secretes a chemical used in many mosquito repellents. And since they’re relatively small, these plants are easy to add to a preexisting flowerbed.

Chrysanthemums : Varietiesof this timeless plant are countless, and all of them are excellent at keeping mosquitos from feasting on those nearby. They also repel a number of other insects that may be harmful to your garden.

As well, a great mosquito repellent to help keep them away is cloves of garlic (more the merrier) cam be crushed or left in a 3 gallon pail of water, add in 2 tablespoons of Dawn's blue dish soap aling with 6 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Mix all ingredients well and let stand for a few days. Pour into sprayer and spray on to your flower bed or vegetable garden and as long as you don't mind your beds smelling like garlic bread.....its a great way to keep those pesky mosquitoes away.